Bethesda news, restaurants, nightlife, events and openings, real estate, crime reports and more - the way only a lifelong Bethesda resident like Robert Dyer can bring it to you. Everything you want and need to know about Bethesda, plus special investigative reports you won't find anywhere else. The must-read blog for breaking Bethesda news, when you want to be the first to know.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Coming Soon signage for the future Bethesda Mews development on Old Georgetown Road has popped up on the property.

An exclusive 29-home community of single family manor and shingle-style homes by Michael Harris Homes and Streetscape, the 10-acre community will feature an undisturbed mature forest and recreational access to the Bethesda Trolley Trail.

Formerly home to the American College of Cardiology Foundation, likely residents would be physicians with privileges at Suburban Hospital, or higher-salary employees at NIH and Walter Reed.

Something fascinating for transportation buffs to watch over the first full day of Capital Bikeshare operations in Bethesda:

Where is the greatest demand for the bikes in downtown Bethesda among "early adopters?"

You can be sure that Capital Bikeshare will be monitoring that and other data in the coming weeks.

But, my unofficial count over the first 24 hours yielded surprising results. While bikes sat virtually untouched at busy Bethesda Row, at the Cordell Avenue station, at times, there was only one bike left on the rack.

Is it the apartment dwellers on Cordell? The prime location in front of 2 restaurant patios?

It's too early to say, but there is a pattern here suggesting demand is greatest in Woodmont Triangle.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

The prominent M&T Bank ATM at the corner of Bethesda Lane and Elm Street is gone. I had not heard any advance notice that this machine was being removed, much less whether to expect a replacement or not.

This could be a step backward in convenience for residents and visitors of the Bethesda Row area, so let's wait to hear what the future plans are for this spot.

Here is a Google Maps photo of the old ATM for comparison, as well as Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row photos of the same spot Saturday afternoon:

OK, this sounds promising: Wendy's delicious soft pretzel bun, combined with crispy fried chicken? How did it turn out in reality? Watch my detailed review of the new Wendy's Pretzel Pub Chicken Sandwich now to find out!

Pricey at over $5, toppings on the Pretzel Pub Chicken Sandwich include honey mustard sauce, cheese sauce, tomato, fresh greens, and a slice of Muenster cheese.

Sidewalk upgrades continue throughout downtown Bethesda. Work has begun at the corner of Hampden Lane and Wisconsin Avenue, and at the western intersection of Fairmont and Norfolk Avenues. Expect closures in those areas.

Speaking at a public hearing on Bus Rapid Transit corridors last night, Montgomery County Councilmember George Leventhal (D - At-Large) took credit for negotiations between the Maryland Transit Administration and Columbia Country Club that resulted in a controversial agreement, made public by the Washington Post Thursday. The deal gave several concessions to the club in exchange for the club's written agreement not to protest, or file litigation against, the Purple Line light rail, which will bisect the club's 100-year-old golf course.

Leventhal contradicted fellow councilmember Roger Berliner (D - District 1), who had told the Post he had never heard of the talks until now.

In Thursday's Post, reporter Katherine Shaver wrote that Berliner "said he did not know about the agreement until The Post contacted him Wednesday." Yet, Leventhal said last evening that his updates to colleagues on the talks were so voluminous, that one councilmember, Nancy Floreen (D - At-Large), told him to stop emailing her.

Councilmembers Hans Riemer and Craig Rice were not on the council when Leventhal launched the negotiations in 2009.

Only Berliner and Leventhal have gone on the record about what they knew, and when they knew it. But their statements contradict each other.

The Norfolk Avenue yogurt shop is offering a large selection of salad ingredients, from which you can build your own for $7.84 a pound. With that, you will receive free bread. Students can get a 10% discount.

To see the full list of salad ingredients, click on the photo below to enlarge:

The permanent exterior sign has been installed at 100 Montaditos, on Elm Street at Bethesda Row. Inside, a tile mural reading "Cervecería Montaditos," or, "Montaditos Brewery," is now in place on the right interior wall.

100 Montaditos will feature Spanish sandwiches and other small plates, as well as Spanish beers, and is one of the most anticipated openings this year in downtown Bethesda. The opening has been scheduled for next week, but stay tuned.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

I'm not sure what incident occurred over on East-West Highway, but two lanes appear to have been momentarily blocked off by firetrucks. Scanner reports would suggest they are wrapping up and those lanes will reopen soon, if they haven't already.